“Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40

HISTORY

In 1991, a group of Woodruff area ministers gathered to discuss the best way to help individuals in the community who discovered themselves in need of assistance. They rallied the community and Helping Hands Ministries of Woodruff was founded. Start-up funds were donated by local churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals. During that first year, more than 250 needy families received food, vital utility service and prescription medications that they could not purchase for themselves.

Helping Hands has grown steadily over the years. The organization now helps thousands of individuals and families each year remain fed, warm and healthy.

Helping Hands has been located in its present location since 1992. The organization boasts more than 30 regular volunteers, and offers a large food pantry and freezer, special supplies for babies and referral assistance. Future initiatives include offering additional service for the aged, single parents and battered families.

Helping Hands is able to help the Woodruff community because of continuing support from volunteers, financial contributors, grants and prayers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online athttp://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD)USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MISSION STATEMENT

Helping Hands Ministries provides crisis assistance to area residents

HELPINGThis ministry offers help to the people of our area who need it most.HANDS This help is given with a personal touch -- from person to person.MINISTRIESHelping Hands sees its work as an expression of its commitment to Christ, who says that what we do for the least of our neighbors, we do for Him.WOODRUFF AREA There is no ministry like Helping Hands in lower Spartanburg County. Helping Hands believes that its ministry addresses a real and pressing need for our community and help create a more loving community for everyone.

We are always in need of volunteers. You will find that in volunteering, you will find happiness and strength. Call (864) 476-2401 for details.

Helping Hands Ministries of the Woodruff Area strives to provide assistance, primarily in crisis situations, to individuals living in southern Spartanburg County and the immediate adjacent areas of Laurens County.

to those in need, regardless of race, religion, nationality or creed. In cases when needs cannot be reasonably met by Helping Hands, the organization will attempt to refer individuals to appropriate agencies for assistance.

Helping Hands seeks support from area churches, businesses, agencies and concerned individuals, and shares the collected resources as fairly as possible to those in need.

Public NotificationHelping hands Ministries of Woodruff has served the Woodruff Area for over 20 years.